AEGIS: The Observation Deck
Originally Published by Jason Cochrane on Aug 18, 2016 at 07:45 AM
The Observation Deck was unnecessarily located in an armoured bunker above what was now known as the Embarkation Chamber. Like all areas of the Spire, both rooms were constructed to gleam and shine as a constant reminder of the hope that the Spire and Outreach, which resided there, were intended to inspire.
In years past the area below the Observation Deck had evolved. It commenced operation as an Action Room where superhumans engaged in controlled practice. This was upgraded a number of times to become more immersive and provide for specific scenarios. The most recent, and most dramatic change occured three years ago when Outreach procured a Description Engine – a device capable of generating temporary pseudo pocket realities on demand. And so the area below the Observation Deck had been renamed to the Embarkation Chamber.
Within the Observation Deck two figures stood to the side of the scurrying technicians who were preoccupied with the task of calibrating the Description Engine.
“Ma’am, if I may?” ventured Captain Danvers. His green military uniform stood out among the sea of blue and white that surrounded him. He addressed a tall steely grey haired woman dressed in the blue uniform of AEGIS complete with unzipped flight jacket.
“You may, Captain.” Talia Thorne, Director of AEGIS Outreach, remained fixated on the hive of activity in the Embarkation Room below them.
“I’ve been reviewing the logs Ma’am. The Bangkok Scenario not only runs at each annual intake but it is also the most run scenario accounting for slightly more than 20% of all uses.” Captain Danvers paused. “I’m not sure I understand why Ma’am.”
“Have you ever visited the Bankok Memorial Trevor?”
The sudden lack of formally startled him.
“No Ma’am. I haven't.” Despite his superior shifting into conversational language Captain Danvers felt obligated to adhere to protocol.
“Bangkok is the largest death toll from a superhuman engagement in history. There are over 5000 names on that Memorial. The number of fatalities exceeded that of the Terminus Incursion and the Hidden War. In a sense Bangkok was the origin of Outreach.”
Captain Danvers shifted uncomfortably. “Ma’am. While EXCISE was of American origin their presence and intervention in Thailand was unsanctioned. They weren't affiliated with the United States Government in any way.”
“Precisely Trevor,” Talia still observed the Embarkation Chamber with scant acknowledgement of the Captain beside her. “Bangkok led to the first attempts to reign in vigilantes and hold them accountable. Those attempts failed until Outreach was established. We exist as an organisation because of Bangkok. Never forget that.”
Captain Danvers studied his and Director Thorne’s reflections in the thick glass before them. Director Thorne was clearly deep in thought. Her responses to him were almost afterthought. His questions echoing whatever thoughts were resonating in her mind.
“I don’t see how that directly links to the scenario.”
“We must do better than Bangkok Captain. Outreach and our people must strive everyday to do better. Events like Bangkok must never occur again. Not on my watch. Not ever.”
The way she said the words made it sound like the reaffirmation of an oath. There was significant conviction in in the way Director Thorne made the statement that Captain Danvers had no doubt there was something deeply personal at play that he was unaware of. It was almost as is Director Thorne took personal affront to the events of 30 years previous that occurred when she would have been a child.
Unexpectedly the Director spoke again. “If someone can’t do better than Bangkok I have no use for them Captain. That’s why the scenario runs every year. That’s why teams voluntary run the scenario. Better than Bangkok. Surely you’ve heard that phrase by now, even in jest.”
"Yes Ma'am." Captain Danvers was taken aback. "I just didn't realise the significance of the phrase."
"Now you do." Director Thorne savagely tugged her jacket downwards. "Better than Bangkok. Live by it Captain."
Originally Published by Jason Cochrane on Aug 18, 2016 at 07:45 AM
The Observation Deck was unnecessarily located in an armoured bunker above what was now known as the Embarkation Chamber. Like all areas of the Spire, both rooms were constructed to gleam and shine as a constant reminder of the hope that the Spire and Outreach, which resided there, were intended to inspire.
In years past the area below the Observation Deck had evolved. It commenced operation as an Action Room where superhumans engaged in controlled practice. This was upgraded a number of times to become more immersive and provide for specific scenarios. The most recent, and most dramatic change occured three years ago when Outreach procured a Description Engine – a device capable of generating temporary pseudo pocket realities on demand. And so the area below the Observation Deck had been renamed to the Embarkation Chamber.
Within the Observation Deck two figures stood to the side of the scurrying technicians who were preoccupied with the task of calibrating the Description Engine.
“Ma’am, if I may?” ventured Captain Danvers. His green military uniform stood out among the sea of blue and white that surrounded him. He addressed a tall steely grey haired woman dressed in the blue uniform of AEGIS complete with unzipped flight jacket.
“You may, Captain.” Talia Thorne, Director of AEGIS Outreach, remained fixated on the hive of activity in the Embarkation Room below them.
“I’ve been reviewing the logs Ma’am. The Bangkok Scenario not only runs at each annual intake but it is also the most run scenario accounting for slightly more than 20% of all uses.” Captain Danvers paused. “I’m not sure I understand why Ma’am.”
“Have you ever visited the Bankok Memorial Trevor?”
The sudden lack of formally startled him.
“No Ma’am. I haven't.” Despite his superior shifting into conversational language Captain Danvers felt obligated to adhere to protocol.
“Bangkok is the largest death toll from a superhuman engagement in history. There are over 5000 names on that Memorial. The number of fatalities exceeded that of the Terminus Incursion and the Hidden War. In a sense Bangkok was the origin of Outreach.”
Captain Danvers shifted uncomfortably. “Ma’am. While EXCISE was of American origin their presence and intervention in Thailand was unsanctioned. They weren't affiliated with the United States Government in any way.”
“Precisely Trevor,” Talia still observed the Embarkation Chamber with scant acknowledgement of the Captain beside her. “Bangkok led to the first attempts to reign in vigilantes and hold them accountable. Those attempts failed until Outreach was established. We exist as an organisation because of Bangkok. Never forget that.”
Captain Danvers studied his and Director Thorne’s reflections in the thick glass before them. Director Thorne was clearly deep in thought. Her responses to him were almost afterthought. His questions echoing whatever thoughts were resonating in her mind.
“I don’t see how that directly links to the scenario.”
“We must do better than Bangkok Captain. Outreach and our people must strive everyday to do better. Events like Bangkok must never occur again. Not on my watch. Not ever.”
The way she said the words made it sound like the reaffirmation of an oath. There was significant conviction in in the way Director Thorne made the statement that Captain Danvers had no doubt there was something deeply personal at play that he was unaware of. It was almost as is Director Thorne took personal affront to the events of 30 years previous that occurred when she would have been a child.
Unexpectedly the Director spoke again. “If someone can’t do better than Bangkok I have no use for them Captain. That’s why the scenario runs every year. That’s why teams voluntary run the scenario. Better than Bangkok. Surely you’ve heard that phrase by now, even in jest.”
"Yes Ma'am." Captain Danvers was taken aback. "I just didn't realise the significance of the phrase."
"Now you do." Director Thorne savagely tugged her jacket downwards. "Better than Bangkok. Live by it Captain."
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